Arch Linux

onguarde

Member

Registered: 2008-09-14

Posts: 144

Thinkpad X200 - Only 3 out of 4 GB RAM Usable

Peace all!

This problem is not unique to Arch, the same occurs for Windows 7/Vista 32 bit. Supposedly, 32 bit versions cannot support more than 3gb; only 64 bit versions can.

I was wondering if the same restriction applies to linux and if there's any workaround.

I've tried "initialising" the BIOS to defaults. Haven't tried flashing it since I can't find any reports it'll help.
http://forum.lenovo.com/t5/X-Series-Thi … m-p/124209

Thanks in advance!

lilsirecho

Veteran

Registered: 2003-10-24

Posts: 5,000

Re: Thinkpad X200 - Only 3 out of 4 GB RAM Usable

The same limits apply here..please read the wikis for background info in ram limits...many posts on the subject.

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onguarde

Member

Registered: 2008-09-14

Posts: 144

Re: Thinkpad X200 - Only 3 out of 4 GB RAM Usable

Ah, thanks for the reply. I guess I'm one of those clueless that my processor is actually a 64 bit one.

I decided to stay with 32bit for maximal compatibility. However, I'm thinking of having an XP virtual machine; which might need that extra 1GB ram... Maybe I should enable PAE?

flamelab

Member

From: Athens, Hellas (Greece)

Registered: 2007-12-26

Posts: 2,160

Re: Thinkpad X200 - Only 3 out of 4 GB RAM Usable

Νο, go 64bit.

tomd123

Developer

Registered: 2008-08-12

Posts: 565

Re: Thinkpad X200 - Only 3 out of 4 GB RAM Usable

Νο, go 64bit.

I second this. Unless you can name things that you need that are only in 32 bit, go with 64 bit.

ngoonee

Forum Fellow

From: Between Thailand and Singapore

Registered: 2009-03-17

Posts: 7,356

Re: Thinkpad X200 - Only 3 out of 4 GB RAM Usable

Νο, go 64bit.

I second this. Unless you can name things that you need that are only in 32 bit, go with 64 bit.

Even if you can (probably wine if you're a gamer and skype if you use that, as well as google-earth/acrobat reader if you use those), still go 64-bit, use a 32-bit chroot for those few.

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vi3dr0

Member

From: Poland

Registered: 2009-03-22

Posts: 208

Re: Thinkpad X200 - Only 3 out of 4 GB RAM Usable

Skype works with no issues on 64bit. Installing bin32-skype is ALL you have to do.

Yup, video works too.

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Thinkpad T61p : T7700 | 4GB RAM | nVidia FX 570M | Intel 4965
Arch64 @ Openbox

ungoliant

Member

Registered: 2009-05-17

Posts: 39

Re: Thinkpad X200 - Only 3 out of 4 GB RAM Usable

Peace all!

This problem is not unique to Arch, the same occurs for Windows 7/Vista 32 bit. Supposedly, 32 bit versions cannot support more than 3gb; only 64 bit versions can.

I was wondering if the same restriction applies to linux and if there's any workaround.

I've tried "initialising" the BIOS to defaults. Haven't tried flashing it since I can't find any reports it'll help.
http://forum.lenovo.com/t5/X-Series-Thi … m-p/124209

Thanks in advance!

For a quick answer: This problem is related to the fact that 32 bits instructions have less bits to address memory. You have more info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/64-bit#32_vs_64_bit

By the way, i'd say the only valid reason to stay in 32 bits is if you make extensive usage of Flash. My experience is that it performs quite better in 32 bits.

Last edited by ungoliant (2010-01-28 15:28:33)